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Full Policies Terminating employment pack

Notice periods policy

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This model policy is to confirm the usual arrangements for providing notice to terminate an employment contract.

Reading time
How long to understand and implement this policy?
15 mins
Word count
How many words in this policy?
1,896
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What is a Notice periods policy?

A notice periods policy is a document that outlines the amount of notice that an employee or employer must provide before terminating an employment contract. The policy typically sets out the length of the notice period, the circumstances under which notice may be given or waived, and any procedures that must be followed when giving or receiving notice.

In the UK, notice periods are governed by law and vary depending on the length of service and the terms of the employment contract. The notice periods policy should reflect the legal requirements and any additional policies or procedures that the employer has put in place.

The notice periods policy should be clear and concise, and should be communicated to all employees. It should also be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains up-to-date and in compliance with legal requirements.

A typical notice periods policy may include the following information:

  • The length of notice required from both the employer and the employee
  • Circumstances under which notice can be waived or shortened
  • Procedures for giving notice, such as in writing or verbally
  • Any pay or benefits that the employee is entitled to during the notice period
  • Any additional requirements or obligations for the employee during the notice period, such as returning company property or completing certain tasks
  • Consequences of failing to provide the required notice, such as loss of pay or other disciplinary action

Overall, a notice periods policy is an important document that helps to ensure that both the employer and the employee understand their obligations and responsibilities when terminating an employment contract.

Best practice timescale for this to be issued
When should this policy be issued?
During onboarding / after changes / planned refresher
Issued by who, to whom
Who should issue this policy, and to whom?
Internally issued to appropriate recipients in your Company
Applicable legal jurisdictions
In which jurisdictions can this policy be used?
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide

Notice periods Policy

Overview

The purpose of this notice periods policy is to establish a standard for giving notice of termination of employment by employees of the organisation, based on their level of responsibility. This policy is in accordance with UK employment law.

Scope

This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].

General principles

Notice Period

All employees are required to give notice of their intention to resign from the organisation. The notice period is based on the level of responsibility held by the employee, as outlined in the matrix below.

Level of Responsibility Notice Period
Employee 1 month
Manager 3 months
Director 6 months

Notice Method

Notice of resignation must be given in writing to the employee's immediate supervisor, with a copy sent to Human Resources.

Compensation

Employees who fulfill their notice period in full shall receive all compensation due to them up to and including the last day of their employment. Employees who do not fulfill their notice period may have their compensation reduced or withheld, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Garden Leave

The organisation may require an employee to go on garden leave during their notice period. During this time, the employee will be paid their full salary and benefits, but will not be required to perform any work duties.

Contractual obligations

In some cases, employees may have additional notice periods outlined in their employment contract or collective bargaining agreement. These notice periods will be enforced in addition to the standard notice periods outlined in this policy.

Exceptions

The organisation reserves the right to make exceptions to this notice periods policy on a case-by-case basis, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

This policy [does not] form[s] part of your terms and conditions of employment.

Version: [1.0]

Issue date: [date]

Author: [name, job title]

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notice periods policy